Malaysia's inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), rose 2% from a year earlier.

    In a statement Wednesday, the Statistics Department said cumulative five-month CPI increased 2.9% from a year earlier. In monthly terms, May CPI rose 0.3%. In April, the CPI climbed 2.1% from a year earlier. 

    May core inflation, which excludes volatile fresh food items and administered prices of goods and services, also rose. The department said core CPI rose 2.1% from a year earlier as consumers contended with costlier transport besides food and non-alcoholic drinks. The department said the rise in water and electricity expenses also led to the higher core CPI rate.